Powershot SD1000

Powershot SD1000

Canon Powershot SD1000 Review

By
Movable Type Admin

Steve's Conclusion

Building on the success of the Digital ELPH series of Powershot models, Canon introduces the
new SD1000 for 2007. With all of the features that we have come to love about these cameras,
the SD1000 offers 7-megapixels of resolution, a 3x optical zoom lens, 2.5-inch "PureColor"
Multi-level LCD display, VGA sized movie mode as well as Canon's new Face Detection AF/AE/FE
technology. This simple point-n-shoot can be used by any member of your office or household,
with Full Auto, 13 pre-programmed scene modes, and Manual mode for those who want to be a
bit more creative.

The "ultra-compact" SD1000 measures just 3.38 x 2.11 x 0.76
inches, and fits in almost any size pocket or purse. However, I found it still offered a
comfortable feel in my hands, with the various controls being placed with in reach of my
fingertips. I especially like the zoom controls mounted around the shutter release, which
allows for effortless zooming. The menu system is logically organized and easy to
navigate. Although we have said it time and time again, we love the FUNCtion shortcut
menu. It allows you to quickly bring up settings like white balance, my colors, metering,
resolution, etc. The SD1000 features a new and improved 2.5-inch display. This is Canon's
new PureColor LCD, which is constructed with a multi-level coating. They claim it helps
reduces glare, scratches, smudges and also fingerprints. Overall, I found this is a very
nice display that works well in many lighting conditions. However, it still suffers
from smudges and fingerprints.

As usual with Canon models, the SD1000 offers speedy performance for a consumer digicam.
Power up until the first image captured measured only 1.3 seconds. Shutter lag, the delay
between depressing the shutter button and capturing an image, was almost instantaneous (less
than 1/10 of a second) when pre-focused, and 2/10 second including autofocus. In single
frame drive mode, the shot to shot delay averaged 1.6 seconds without flash, and between 2.5
and 3.5 seconds with flash depending on subject distance. Using the continuous (burst) mode,
I was able to capture 10 Large/SuperFine JPEG images in just 5 seconds, surpassing Canon's
claim of 1.7fps. This was also with no full-buffer slowdown. When shooting in burst mode,
the LCD only briefly displays the last image captured, making it difficult to follow moving
subjects; this is where the optical viewfinder comes in handy. Our tests were done using a
Lexar 1GB SD card, Manual mode, Large SuperFine quality, preview off, flash off, and all
other settings at default (unless otherwise noted.) Times may vary depending on lighting
conditions, camera settings, media, etc.

The overall image quality was good for a 7-megapixel model. We used the highest quality
setting available (Large SuperFine), and when doing so, the SD1000 captured nice images. I
did see a bit of edge softness along the left hand side of the frame as well as a bit more
CA (chromatic aberrations, aka purple fringing) than I expected. Its 3x optical zoom lens
offers a typical range of 35 - 105mm (35mm equivalent), and helped the camera produce sharp
images throughout the zoom range. I did observe moderate barrel distortion and pincushioning
at the wide angle and telephoto extremes, respectively. Noise levels were also a bit higher
than I would have expected from a Canon model, however still with in the "average" of
consumer models. You can see traces of noise in low contrast "dark" subjects as low as ISO
80. As you increase the sensitivity, noise levels rise. Once you reach ISO 400, noise is
easily seen, even when viewing an image at 25-27% on your PC screen. I locked the ISO at 80
(manual mode only), that way there's no wondering if the camera selected a low enough
setting so that images don't display this.

The dedicated Portrait scene mode also produced nice photos. Canon's new Face Detection
AF/AE/FE technology does an excellent job of detecting faces in the frame, and helped
produce nice sharp portraits, that show pleasing facial detail and skin tones. The flash has
an average range of about 11 feet at wide angle (ISO Auto). I found it produced good
exposures when shooting close-up portraits from no further than 6 feet away, using the mid
telephoto end of the zoom. If you need more power, look into a unit like the HF-DC1 external
flash, which delivers proper illumination up to approximately 30 feet, at all zoom
positions. Red-eye wasn't an issue during our testing, however we did see some issues with
past models that use the AF-assist lamp as the "pre-flash". Luckily, it only takes a few
seconds in any image editor to correct this common occurrence.

The SD1000 features a high-quality VGA 640x480 movie mode. Standard mode offers
selectable resolution (640x480 or 320x240) and frame rates of 30fps or 15fps. You can also
choose from Compact, Fast Frame rate, Color Accent and Color swap, and Time Lapse, which
allow for more creative recording. Because audio is recorded, the optical zoom may not be
used during recording. You can however, preset the desired focal length before recording
starts. The digital zoom may be used, but this just degrades image quality. Our movie
samples were pleasing, with minimal compression noise, even indoors. However, if you're one
who likes taking alot of videos, be sure to purchase a large capacity (like a 1 or 2GB) SD
card, as the camera consumes nearly 2MB per second when using the 640x480 30fps mode.

The SD1000 is powered by a tiny NB-4L 3.7v 760mAh proprietary Li-ion battery pack. Canon
claims you can capture up to 210 shots with full-time use of the LCD. I was able to capture
about 130 images and conduct other testing without any indication of low battery warning.
Canon includes a very compact and portable AC charger that takes about 90 minutes to charge
a fully depleted pack. The charger plugs directly into any 100-240V AC outlet and has fold-
away prongs. As always, we recommend you purchase at least one extra pack and keep it
charged and ready at all times; you wouldn't want to miss a spontaneous photo opt due to a
dead battery, would you?

Bottom line - Canon has created yet another appealing Digital ELPH model. I was also glad to
see the return of the "classic" ELPH look, with its squared off edges. With a retail price
of US$299 or less, I feel the Canon Powershot SD1000 offers a good value for a durable, 7-
megapixel "ultra-compact" model. The only issues I saw with this camera was that ISO levels
were higher than past models. If you liked the features of this model, but want a "beefier"
camera, then check out our review of the Powershot A560 .

Visitors of Steves can visit the stores below for real-time pricing and availability. You can also find hot, soon to expire online offers on a variety of cameras and accessories at our very own Camera Deals page.